Is This a Dream? [Roxas]

Axel groaned. It felt like everything should be on fire. This darkness was a lot brighter than it should be. He could see the light through his eyelids which was weird. Wasn't he supposed to be dead? Like, permanently dead? Had he found some form of afterlife? His brow pinched as he squinted into the brightness. He knew he had faded into oblivion. He had put everything into that last attack to save Sora from the Dusks. Well, technically Sora.

As his sight adjusted to the light he quickly closed his eyes again. Hell. The redhead was in hell. Even sacrificing himself hadn't earned him anything better. The Flurry heaved a sigh as he looked at the room one more time. How had he landed in the Grey Room? Why was he back in the castle when he shouldn't exist anymore, in any capacity?

Pushing himself up, Axel glanced toward the bank of windows that should look out at the World That Never Was. He was tempted to go over and see just how expansive this hell was. He wasn't sure if the bigger really was better. He was either going to drive himself up a wall from boredom, or have the unholy hordes of Heartless and Nobodies awaiting to torture him forever down below. Neither sounded very appealing. Now all his careful planning and self preservation meant nothing. What a damn shame.

He drew in a deep breath, his solemn eyes gazing over the front Entrance to the castle, which was locked up tight. It was rare that anyone that was or had been in the Organization saw this view of their living quarters, but the last thing on his mind was the structural beauty of the place. There were only two things that he cared about that he figured were inside, and he was planning on getting to them. He had delayed his visit for a few days, not sure if he should have been distancing himself, but the emptiness inside had grown substantially - he didn't know it at the current point in time, but in the back of his mind he had realized that he was practically useless and depressed without the people he cared about.

He summoned his keyblade into his right hand, visions of Sora passing through his mind as he held it up, opening up the castle and creating a translucent pathway that partially showed the depths below. As he walked up, thoughts of how his somebody counterpart had taken this castle down while the blond was inside of his chest. How.. How was it back? He hadn't even noticed that he had made it through the door, the path disappearing behind him and the entryway becoming locked up all over again. He was still able to use the dark corridors, but he found that since he was no longer a part of the Organization, when he would try to use it to get inside there would be no light on the other side, so he'd be forced to turn back. He'd probably have to go about it the long way from now on, which was.. Fine.

As if any of this was fine.

He traveled his way through the painstakingly familiar hallways and rooms, trying his best to not let any of it get to him the way that it obviously was. His eyes would shift to glance at certain spots, the memories flooding in of his first days of life. He suppressed them the best he could, however.. They were determined to bother him. And that they did.

He rounded the corner of the Gray Room, his lungs taking in another deep breath of air, his stomach twisting at what he might see. There was only one body in the room, accompanied by a giant flash of red. The boy froze for just a moment until a huge wave of relief crashed over him, a grin appearing over his features.

"Axel!" Without a second thought and not even taking into account how disgruntled he looked, the small Nobody was rushing towards his friend at top speed and literally barreled himself into the taller figure, wrapping his arms tightly around him in a death-grip hug.

"Oh my god - you're here. You're okay." All he could remember of him was.. Was watching through Sora's eyes, watching his best friend give up his life in order to save them.

"I missed you-"

The Flurry pushed off the couch he had been found himself on. Honestly, who would do this to a person? Wait, he wasn't technically a person. He wasn't even supposed to exist twice over now. First Lea had died, his heart taken from him to leave this shell of a thing behind. The tall Nobody had done his best to mostly keep true to the boy that had lost his life far too young. He hadn't even been able to touch enough people to truly become immortal.

Now, here he was again, alone to be tortured in some manner or another. Apparently there was no rest for the wicked. He had been bad enough, manipulated enough people, something, that had earned him this. Well, Hell was supposed to be hot. This was a little disappointing in that respect. He could help with that. He would certainly burn this place to ash and give them a whole new look on hell fire. He would be the demon spawn they didn't see coming and drive them back to the holes his would be tormentors crawled out of. He was already dead, so why not take over?

He took a single step to look out to see what kind of kingdom he would be taking over when he was shocked to stillness. No. This wasn't happening. Axel had no idea what these beings were playing at but Roxas was not supposed to be here. This figment was certainly going to be the best way to hurt him. Damn, one would think that it would be the things in your heart that would be the thing to hurt you most, but he should be immune. He didn't have a heart when he faded back into the nothingness. So, how could this be?

The fire starter didn't have to think on it too long because he suddenly needed to brace. He stumbled back a step, wind knocked right out of him. Too real. They had made this illusion so real. He coughed and wheezed, but his arms had circled around the small blond boy, fingers gripping the white vest. Axel tried to wrap as much of himself around the Key of Destiny as he could. He had been certain he wouldn't ever see this ball of sunshine again. He had convinced himself that he would be content with giving his life to save Sora just because Roxas was in there somewhere.

You shouldn't be here. You're too good for hell, He whispered into the golden locks. He really didn't want to think that this was only a nightmare, that soon his little zombie would be ripped away from him. However, having thought to never see this face again, he would take all that pain for the joy of this moment. I'm so happy you're here. I didn't think I would ever see you again.

It didn't take much for those arms to wrap around him, the heated warmth soaking through the clothing that the two of them shared and creating a sense of calamity that Roxas had ultimately forgotten existed. It reminded him of the day that the three of them would spend eating ice cream atop the clock tower, overlooking the twilight of the world that shared its namesake; he had.. He had forgotten that such a sense of peace could be possible. Trying his best to ignore the place they were in, the blond focused the majority of his consciousness on the one holding him within his arms. He.. Tried his best to not think of that to, to avoid that same heart spreading to his cheekbones.

He knew that if he showed any sign of weakness of such magnitude, he'd never hear the end of it.

"Hell?" He questioned the other, blinking his azure eyes a few times before shaking his head, smiling widely and brightly. He figured that this would never happen again - the only thing that had been reeling through his mind the past few days that he had been brought back into existence was the awful scene of Axel giving himself up. It was on a loop in the very front of his thoughts, making it hard to concentrate on just about anything else. At first he wanted to scream, then he wanted to cry about it, then he wanted to punch Axel in his stupid face, but then he kind of came to terms with it and was simply-

None of it mattered, now; he was here.

"Look who's talking, Mr. "That's what happens when you put your whole being into an attack." "" The little Nobody quoted the words that he'd rather not here ever again, informing the redhead that he had practically watched the whole thing, though the eyes he saw it through were not his own. He recalled at that moment, he wanted so badly to reach out and to stop him, to keep him from making that stupid decision that, unfortunately, had to be made. Roxas wanted to accept that there could have been another way, but that was simply childish to even begin to consider.

He loosened his grip upon his best friend, taking a step back to look up at him, noticing that he truly hadn't changed at all.

"Do.. Do you know why we came back? Why I got-" He brought a hand up to his chest, averting his gaze to the floor for a moment as a troubled expression overcame him. "Separated?"

The taller Nobody started to relax, choosing to ignore the facts. He just wanted to savor what little time he was allowed with this small Nobody. It was sure to happen sooner rather than later that he would lose the one thing in his non-existence to make him feel. He didn't want to go through that again, but that would be his version of hell. He let out a small sigh.

He gave a small shrug as Roxas questioned him. I died again and still woke up here. Figured this must be my hell, He replied. He lifted a hand to run though the kid's hair. It had seemed wrong to go through his every day without seeing Roxas. Not having the ritual of going to the clock tower had made that gaping maw of emptiness in his chest even worse. It wasn't like it could get any bigger, yet he felt that nothingness grow and consume him more. They only thing that had helped had been aiding Sora, knowing that this squirt was in there somewhere.

Axel gave a self-depricating laugh as he was quoted. Yeah, of course Roxas would have been fully aware for that just so he could shove it in his face. He let the blond pull away, yet moved his hands to rest on the boy's shoulders. They had been parted for so long that he wanted to make sure that this was real in some form or another. Physical touch seemed a good way to ascertain that the Key was really here. Now all they needed was Xion to walk through the door as well and complete their little trio. That was what the worlds revolved around, the golden number three.

That thought was quickly tossed aside. They came back? So this wasn't hell? He stared at the blue eyed Nobody, head tilted in confusion. Interesting. Well, obviously I came back because the universe would spin out of control without this level of sexy in it. As if to prove his point, he gave a pose and his trademark devil may care smirk. He laughed at himself and let his expression soften. If you two simply got separated, then I just need you too much for you to be trapped inside him.

Well, that was a little too sappy for him. He cleared his throat and waved his hand. Or you dragged yourself out just to look for me. I can understand why. He smiled again and turned toward the windows. How long had they been away? How much time had passed and how bad was it out there now? The better question was, what he was going to do with himself now.

It was just like Axel to try and make light of any serious situation. The fact of the matter was that they had no ungodly clue as to how they had manifested back into the realm of existence after fading away. That was supposed to be endgame for Nobodies, as they didn't have a heart that could possibly carry on afterwards. They were here without any answers whatsoever, but for some reason, Roxas was finding it relatively easy to not question a damn thing right now. All that was going through his thoughts was the happiness that was dancing in his chest; those strange sensations there had simply picked up where they had left off.

And he still didn't understand them a single bit, but he was too euphoric to even begin to attempt to decipher them.

Then came the talk of needing. That, within itself, was slightly concerning to him, but he didn't dwell on it. He'd probably think about it later whenever he'd gotten a chance to settle down from all of this. The redhead in front of him had obviously not changed regarding his egotistical look on just about everything, and itw as more than enough to make that grin on his face turn into a delicate bout of laughter. God - he hadn't laughed once since reforming. He had forgotten how good that felt. Being a Nobody and not having the hear to filter and sort all of the feelings out that were forming inside, they were running rampant, making things a little difficult for him to understand. As his comprehension was on the fritz, he didn't even process just how much Axel's statements were taunting him.

Eh, whatever.

"Wh-Where is everyone else? Xion?" He looked around only to find that the Gray Room was ultimately just as empty as he figured it would be, the only bodies residing within it he and his best friend. When he took a millisecond to listen in, he realized that the Castle was eerily silent, almost having no signs of life at all. That was disturbing...

"Jeez.." He said, looking out the window to see the empty Kingdom Hearts looming overhead in the blackened sky. There was a gaping hole in the midst, the darkness peering through to stare Roxas directly in the eyes. The blond took some paces forward, placing the palm of his hand against the glass, narrowing his vision and a concerned expression growing upon his boyish features.

"What happened here..?"

Maybe the question would answer itself one day. Axel had no idea what his purpose could be anymore. Sure, he still wanted a heart of his own, some way to fill this void, but that hadn't worked out so well for him the last time. It had landed him in situations that he had to make tough choices, do terrible things on occasion. Maybe he would just work to make Roxas proud of him. That was a small and seemingly insignificant goal, but that had been part of what drove him in helping Sora.

He gave a small sigh, looking up at the wreckage of what had been their Kingdom Hearts. They had worked so hard on that for nothing. It had been a lie. Now, it was a dark reminder of what they had once been and the darkness that had actually led them. That same darkness might still be out there. If he had come back, what was to stop the Superior from returning as well? That wouldn't bode well for any of them.

I don't know, Roxy. Maybe they just haven't woken up yet, He replied to the first question. Even the puppets could return if a Nobody could simply return. Obviously anything could happen. The rules had been tossed out the window and they would be left to deal with the fall out. He stared out into the dark beyond the glass, glancing down after a moment to the world that they presided over.

Axel placed a hand gently on the blond's shoulder, offering a kind smile. Make a list, kid. I'll find them. It was his job after all. Even now that the Organization probably was going to end up dead as a group, the Nobodies that made it up would still be wondering around. He would have to find them even if it was just to keep tabs. Now that he thought about it, he was going to have to do quite a bit of recon.

Okay, so perhaps he wasn't quite so lost. The Flurry was still having to worry about his safety as he had crossed enough people that he might have to be wary. Like Vexen. Of course, Roxas would be put under his protection as well. We couldn't have another bout of either of them leaving the worlds again. Dying twice was quite enough, even if it was for a good cause the second time.

Emerald eyes drifted back toward what was left of their work. Sora must have done that. I'm sure it was connected to Xemnas, so when he fell ... The redhead shrugged. It seemed a likely conclusion but he couldn't be sure. Just one more thing on his growing list. Wow, he had gone from no purpose, to too many things that needed doing. Plus side, Saix wasn't here to distract him with missions that did nothing more than waste time.

Make a list, kid. I'll find them.

For some reason, those words hit him deep enough to the point where it brought about at least a gentle sense of comfort. The other.. Maybe they were just taking their time in reforming back into the physical world. Where they resided when they were not in such a place, however, was beyond the little blond's realm of understanding. He was within Sora.. The others.. Didn't have a place like that. Were they simply in a state of nothingness? Surrounded by absolute emptiness and not given a mind to think with and a soul to harbor memories? They didn't even exist in the first place, but what kind of existence was that?

As strange as it was, being with Sora had given him access to all new things, things that he was beginning to be able to call his own. He brought the hand on the glass to his chest, concentrating on what was in there, trying his hardest to put a name to it. He had felt it before, but now it was much more prominent, on the brink of being truly discovered. He couldn't think of it at this current moment, but it was none other than empathy. Pity. He felt sorry for them.

"Everything we worked for-" He said quietly, drooping his eyes to look at the dark city below the castle. "Gone, huh?" Roxas took a deep breath right after his words, not really sure what he was supposed to think. He slowly turned, blue orbs flickering upward to meet those attentive emeralds.

"I'm starting to think that it wouldn't have worked anyways." Although he shrugged his shoulders as if to dismiss the entire topic, there as a hint of sadness in not only his gaze, but the tone of his voice. Glancing at the window one last time, the tiny Nobody heaved another gentle sigh, attempting to erase all of the negativity from him, though it was proving to be difficult. Taking a few steps toward his friend, he tilted his head upward to continue to look at him in the eyes, their height difference making it just a bit challenging.

"I've been back.. For a few days, now." The boy admitted. "I'm sorry I didn't come here sooner I.. I didn't know.. If you'd be here. Or Xion. Or anyone. I didn't want to face that." He quickly darted away from the eye contact that he had previously established, a sense of shame washing over him quickly.

"I haven't had a place to go. I haven't slept much at all." Just as he said that, the intense heap of exhaustion landed atop his shoulders, making standing just that much harder. "I just.. Couldn't stop thinking about it all. If we're here, then everyone else should be to. Maybe.. They came back in different places? I don't know..." The poor boy trudged over to the couch, plopping his small body down and leaning against the cushions. God - every other day this thing was the most uncomfortable surface in the universe to sit upon, but now it felt like the most heavenly of clouds.

"I wish I knew how to help them."

The Flurry let his hand fall back to his side, glancing down to watch the gears in Roxas' head turn. He could see the light from his eyes dim. The Organization probably wasn't any good for him anyway. He had been a pawn from the beginning, as they all had been. However, he had been special, the only one of them to be able to truly make serious progress on their Kingdom Hearts. Now all that effort was for nothing.

The kid was right though. The purpose for that blasted thing most likely had nothing to do with restoring their hearts. He would have to find a different way to do that. He, too, let out a heavy sigh. Tch, this was becoming tiresome. He didn't want to add more to his list and he certainly didn't want to waste time on unnecessary things. He certainly wasn't going to waste energy on some of the rabble that they "allied" themselves with.

Axel turned a little away from the window as Roxas looked up at him. He tilted his head slightly, somewhat surprised by what seemed to be something serious and important. When had they ever been serious? His brow furrowed as the Key spoke. Well, of course Roxas would be first. Sora wasn't exactly the giving up type and if Roxas wanted out, he would find a way. For as much like Ventus as his little protege looked like, there was still a lot of the brunet Keybearer in him.

It was also so like him to want to do more than he could. His gaze tracked the blond's progress to the couch, shaking his head. These kids just never took a breather for themselves, did they? And honestly, why would they want to help everyone? So many didn't even deserve that kind of attention, no less want it. The tall Nobody wandered forward toward the makeshift bed. Leave the others to me. That's always been my job, so I'll take care of it. Of course, he didn't intend on bringing them all under one roof again. Due to his own actions and simply not wanting each individual Nobody around them again, he might take care of the situation a different way.

You can't help everyone, Rox. Some of them won't want help. The redhead moved to stand in front of the boy, hands outstretched. He wiggled his fingers and beckoned the blond forward. The couch isn't for sleeping. Beds are better. Up you get, He stated, trying to make sure that there was a balance of gentleness and finality in his voice. His own back was aching a little from waking up on the couch, though he doubted he had been existing again for very long. Just imagine what actually purposely sleeping on it would do.

The castle seemed to be just fine, large, looming, and irritatingly grey as always. That led him to believe that their rooms would still be intact though he hadn't gone exploring. No time like the present to find out then. He wouldn't mind a rest himself. Axel might have just returned from nothingness, but taking this all in and coming up with a new plan for himself had sent his head spinning. Decompressing sounded like a good idea already.

Hearing the other Nobody say that he would be helping locate the other members that had gone missing, the thought easing slightly upon his thoughts. His insides had been twisted by all of the negative thoughts, his eyes full of discontentment. Funny.. Even being given another chance at life, a chance to make things right, there was still that intense level with discomfort. He tried his best to focus on the redhead nearing him, but it was.. Hard. To say the least.

You can't help everyone, Rox. Some of them don't want help.

His eyebrows arched and he heaved a heavy sigh, trying his best to exhale all of those weird things called emotions out with it. Of course, no such luck was bestowed upon him. Unfortunately.

"...Yeah." He said in agreement, since there wasn't a thing left for him to do. It didn't make since to argue with someone as hardheaded as his best friend, or something that was blatantly right. Roxas couldn't fight against that... He met those searching emeralds just long enough to give a gentle smile before utilizing his muscles despite how much they detested the movement after having the simple relaxation. They had been going so long without time for regeneration that they were beginning to cause aches and pains that Roxas wasn't used to. It was like he had been on a mission or something and a Heartless had decided to beat the stuffing out of him.. But there was no such mission. Just exhaustion. How tiresome - literally.

He and Axel began to walk down the halls, and at first they were quiet, until the blond piped up again. His voice echoed off of the empty walls, bouncing around and giving off cave-like ambiance. This place was deep, dark and depressing, after all. Maybe a little more civilized, but essentially the same thing.

"It's funny, though." He looked up at Axel then, having to tilt his head to examine his expression, which seemed to be forever undeterred. "It's like.. I don't want to sleep yet. I feel like I need to accomplish something before I do. Just.. Something, y'know?" Exasperatedly, he moved his hands through his hair before allowing them to fall back to his sides the sigh he emitted having some of his voice mixed in.

"This is all so much." He spoke before stopping at the room he used to call his own, opening the door and walking in to find that absolutely nothing had changed from his time in the Organization. Or prison. The Organization sounded like a better title, so he'd stick with it.

"Wow. Talk about weird memories." He mumbled more so to himself than anyone else, taking a moment to look at himself in the reflection of the mirror. Curiously, he touched his own face as if he was making sure he was a real, tangible object and this wasn't some sort of odd dream. As if he could actually have one of those while he was locked inside of his other half like he had been for quite some time. The separation left him feeling a bit strange, and he wasn't sure if he was happy about it or not, but he knew that he was happy to be here with Axel, and the thought of finding Xion was exciting as well. He decided that it would be best to simply.. Try and take things not just one day at a time, but maybe one hour at a time, minute, second even.

"I- Do you know what we're supposed to think about this?" He turned to his friend with a concerned expression written all over his facial features. "About.. Being back. Should we be happy?" He turned back to the mirror, staring deep into his own eyes.

"Because.. I don't think I am."

Well, that small concession was progress. If Roxas could own that there was only so much that he could do, then he would be able to rest a little. Sadly, there were forces greater than them. There was situations that, try as they might, there was no control over them. He was terribly aware of this. Manipulative as he was, those around them were still unpredictable. If one thing changed, an entire plan could go to hell and you had to start all over again.

Roxas had been one of those changes. The small blond had disrupted years of planning and completely turned his world upside down. Now they were thrown into another impossible situation that no one could have anticipated. This was not how things were supposed to progress. Yet, this was the hand dealt to them, and the Flurry only had to hope that Luxord's Lady Luck would smile on them.

As they wandered the halls of the castle to their rooms, his bright green gaze drifted down to meet Roxas' azure eyes. He shook his head a little. You might not want to sleep, but you'll be useless if you don't. You can save anyone, no less yourself, if you're fighting just to stay awake in a fight. There was always a practical reason for most things. His desire to stay alive had made him really think things through a lot more.

He paused as they came to the Key's room, letting him enter and following after. He stopped just inside the door way, glancing around at the dull grey walls. It hadn't changed, not one bit. It was as if they were dropped right back at the beginning again. He gave a small sigh. Well, since it was just the two of them for now they could spruce the place up a little in their down time.

His attention was drawn as Roxas spoke. The smaller Nobody had always had a way of instilling a sense of calmness in him, even during the worst of times. That calmness was shattered at the words falling from his lips. Axel had made a promise to bring them back together. It had seemed to be well received at the time, but perhaps it had been an unintentional lie on the blond's part. He wasn't happy to be back, to have the opportunity to reunite with his best friends?

The Flurry looked down, his jaw clenching as he kept his temper. Well, so much for them being best friends. We can think whatever we want. This wasn't our doing. Someone or something threw things out of wack, bringing us back. Now we just have to clean up the mess, He said, tone perhaps a little harsher than usual. For someone without a heart, he actually felt hurt that Roxas wasn't happy to be back and they could find Xion to gather up the pieces of their friendship.

I, for one, was very happy you were back, that I could keep my promise. He bit the inside of his cheek a little and turned a little to start moving back out into the hallway. The one good thing in his non-existence wanted to go away again. That small light in his world of darkness didn't want to shine. Fine, so be it. Just one more icky job he had to take on. This one had to be the worst though. I'll find someone to lock you away again, then, He practically growled.

He took a deep breath. Then another. He needed to calm himself down before he allowed his anger to get the best of him. Research. He needed to so much research on so many things. It was that or go somewhere he could burn things without consequence. One more deep breath and he looked to the ceiling. The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep. That seemed rather fitting for their current state. He did have promises to keep, or break in one case. Roxas didn't want to sleep and Axel didn't really think he would be able to. The only thing missing was a horse and the snow covered woods.

I, for one, was very happy you were back, that I could keep my promise.

Wait. Wait, he messed up.

I'll find someone to lock you away again, then.

Crap, he really messed up.

Even though Axel was turned away, his back facing him as he stood on the doorway of the dull, meaningless room, the blond boy had reached out slightly, his fingers grasping around nothing but air. Roxas didn't have a damn clue on how to communicate, and when he did, it seemed like he was always messing something up. At least making someone uncomfortable. But no, this time, he had virtually succeeded with ease on pissing his best friend off, which wasn't a good thing at all. Igniting the redhead's fiery temper was way too easy, and getting it to calm down was way too difficult. All that ran through his mind was the last memories the two had together in the Organization - how it had all come to a fight that resulted in Roxas' leave.

Wow.. He hadn't even thought about all of that until now.

He listened to the way the Flury's words rhymed, remembering that even though the eighth member was so concerned about reserving his image, he was always so articulate and intelligent. Roxas looked up to him in so many ways, literally and figuratively. There was an intense, nagging fear that he had just ruined everything - that he had soiled the chance he had been given just because he didn't know how to speak. Of course he was happy he was here with Axel again. He was just stressed out and hadn't had enough sleep and was saying things out of his head that didn't make any sense.

Okay... Maybe he should fix things without speaking, this time. Or at least attempt to. In an instant, he was moving forward, his arms stretched outward - this was the only thing he knew to do. His cheek rested against the redhead's back, arms clamping tightly around his midsection, not allowing him to walk away. They had already been separated for so long, he didn't want it to happen again. He wouldn't let it happen again.

The warmth was comforting, to say the least. He cautiously opened his mouth, not wanting to screw things up even more, but he was talking again. Hopefully this would make things at least a little bit better. "Axel, I didn't mean that." He took in a deep breath through his nose, the other male's scent calming him. "I really.. I-" He stopped, shaking his head. "I'm just.. Stressed. I'm so happy you're here. That I'm here." He paused again. "And about before - I'm sorry - that I left."

Everything, then, was silent. Expectantly.

"Please don't go."

Why did he put up with this? Why was he so damn nice to someone who had already left him once? The kid thought that he owed it to the others to find them, as if they had ever cared. Roxas couldn't even be happy that he was breathing on his own again. He was his own person and that wasn't a good thing. Axel knew that there were two version of himself, but he knew that they were the same and that was the end.

Roxas and those he was connected to were all kinds of weird. One could not exist without the other but most of them wanted to exist on their own. Not this one, not anymore. If this was going to be how life was going to be with the Key of Destiny now, he wasn't sure he wanted to be back. He didn't want his efforts and desire to make their second chance better to be for nothing. It was good to find this out now so he could hurry the process of shoving Roxas back into his Somebody all the sooner.

Just that thought though made his stomach twist in the most unpleasant of ways. The redhead thought that he was going to be sick just due to that. It had hurt bad enough that he had been abandoned once. He didn't think he could take it again. A part of him had hated that he had lost Saix even as he clung to what he had created with Roxas and even Xion. How could he stand to be entirely alone?

He took a deep breath, not realizing that there had been movement behind him. It was almost jarring to feel arms around him, holding him tight. He looked down at the small hands at his waist and tried to ignore the warmth at his back. He didn't want to be a push over, he didn't want to allow himself to be so weak as to just give in to this small Nobody that had done so much to change his life.

I won't keep chasing after you if you keep leaving, He whispered, knowing that one day he would have to draw a line. His loyalty would have to have a limit for his own sanity. One definition of the word was to repeat the same actions and expect different results. He would not go insane. He lifted a hand to place on the arms wrapped around him. Damn it, he was going to be weak.

He twisted his head to try and look over his shoulder. He barely saw the blond hair pressed against him, but whatever. Stress does nothing but make things worse. Chose your priorities and I will help you plan on how to accomplish goals. Remember, you are one person and all the worlds are not on your shoulders, He stated, lightly tagging at the arms to loosen enough so that he could turn around.

Axel moved his hand to tilt Roxas' chin up so he could look him in the eyes. Ventus and Sora had it right, you need other people's help. Let me take some of the weight. His expression was determined, clearly showing that he wanted to give all the support he could. The Key of Destiny would not be alone unless he kept pushing the Flurry away.

Talk about messing things up. Doing such was seeming to become one of his specialties. He messed up everything before because he couldn't keep his mouth shut and wouldn't cease his nonstop questions, and look at what happened. He and his only two friends in the world had gotten separated. Sure, there was Hayner, Pence and Olette, but.. The versions of them that were his friends weren't real. Nothing but data copies and even though everything seemed to be connected, as they recognized Sora.. It still didn't happen in the grand scheme of things. This was it. This was all Roxas had, and he wasn't sad about that. He refused to loosen his grip around his best friend, a strange tightness beginning to form in his stomach, as well as his chest.

I won't keep chasing after you if you keep leaving.

Those words cut deeper than anything he had ever experienced. Riku's keyblade leaving marks on his skin was nothing compared to this. He was thinking of no one but himself - this was not only hard on him, but on everyone, including Axel, and Xion too, probably. He had self-appointed himself to be the one that would find everyone, that would bring them back or at least give them some form of guidance, but that was foolish. He wasn't meant to be some savior, he would never be Sora.

He wasn't paying attention enough to realize that his grip had, in fact, loosened on command, the larger body having turned around to face him, hot hand holding up Roxas' chin so he was forced to peer into those deadly emeralds.

"I..."

Ventus and Sora had it right. What else was new? The offer that was then presented to the Key of Destiny made him blink in bewilderment. He had almost forgotten that there were people that he could rely on, that could help take some of the burdens of this new chance they had all been given. Roxas didn't want to go away - not again.

"Well, we are a team - right?" He smiled gently, his gaze softening considerably. The blond couldn't help but keep his mind off of all the times that he and this particular Nobody had spent hanging out together, talking about nothing that really mattered and laughing at things he couldn't even remember, but the enjoyment was surreal. In a way, those things seemed much closer than their petty arguments before all of this had happened. He wanted to forget about it all, but he knew that such a decision would be immature - they had to face these things before they could be resolved, but maybe now wasn't the time.

"You.. don't have to go. You know that, right?" He suddenly stated, motioning his head towards the bed. Honestly.. Roxas hadn't been asleep in such a long time that he was afraid that if he did close his eyes long enough, he wouldn't be opening them again. "You can just stay in here." The tone in his voice wavered, subliminally showing how desperate he was to not be by himself. "I-If you want, I know it's not really a big bed and I bet you're tired too - so.."

Axel was patient with Roxas. He always had been. It was odd that this was the only being to ever have such profound effects on him. Patience, calmness, a level head, emotions in general. For all that he and Saix had been through, for as close as their Somebodies had been, it hadn't been him to instill all these things in that echoing emptiness within. No, Roxas just had to be different.

So, within the patience he had gained, he waited for the tumblers to fall into place. No, Roxas was not either of the boys he had mentioned, but that didn't mean he was alone. This blond was allowed to have friends and allies to aid him just as much as the others were. It was lucky for the Key that the redhead specialized in finding lost things. He had a knack for doing the dirty work to get things done. While he didn't carry the title, he had been the Organization's assassin for a reason.

He grinned back as the shorter male seemed to start letting him in. The realization that he didn't have to walk alone was a start. Now he had to be allowed to really give all the help needed. A great team, best friends, He responded as he ruffled the boy's hair. If Axel could make sure that they got this plan to find the others rolling, maybe he could be happy again.

It didn't seem right that taking care of Nobodies that would turn on him would make him feel better. Perhaps rest would do him some good. It could help clear his head and allow him to see the folly of trying to rescue all of the others. It would be best to select the ones that they could trust, could work with. That would be a very long conversation for another time.

He raised a brow at the offer to share the small bed for the night. They had never done something like that before. Then again, they also had never had this kind of experience either. He motioned the blond toward the bed. Don't worry. I won't let you wake up alone. I'll still be here come morning, He said quietly, reaching down to unzip his cloak. He pulled the leather off, tossing it carelessly to the side.

The only thing you need to think about now is if you want breakfast in bed or not. The tall Nobody kicked off his boots then pulled down the cover on the bed. He motioned for Roxas to climb in. He let a pensive look come over his face. What could he make though? Was there even any food in the castle? He spared a look at his friend. He might have to leave him alone for a little while. If there was no food, he would need to head down to the world below before actually settling into cooking again.